california calling, pt. 2

This next installment takes us south to San Diego for the second leg of our journey. We spent a few sunny days on the beach, and spent an overcast Saturday at Legoland California. I was hoping we would be able to take Lil to the San Diego Zoo or Sea World, but she was battling pink eye for a few days, so we stayed close to our home base. Mostly we just lounged on the terrace, basked in the sun, and enjoyed the oceanfront view.

insane cuteness

super insane cuteness

post-nap yogurt, beachside

beautiful Beco baby at Legoland

aboard the Legoland tour boat

and one more of Baby Sista. Just cuz.

caLILfornia, part 3: bundled at the beach

the west coast

 The day after Thanksgiving was the lowest tide of the year. We headed down to this beach just passed Davenport, Scotts Creek. Funny it's called Scotts Creek. I think it could be compared to the cliffs of Dover, but that's not Scottish. Scotts Creek probably got its name from the founder of Bonny Doon, a Scotsman by the name of John Burns. You can just imagine him coming down the hill after a long day of logging to sit on the beach, smoke a joint, and bathe in the frigid water. We just went down to check out some tide pools, breathe in the ocean breeze (wind), and drink in the scenery.

my beautiful niece mixes animal motifs

hand knit and snug as a bug

Lil and I did not ford the creek to the tide pools. The water was a little fast, and Mama was wearing her new boots from Snipe, which the salesman said were waterproof (twice... but they're not). Regardless, I wasn't willing to risk it. They're made with naturally dyed leather, and who knows what would happen to that juicy ruby red. Instead we just twirled around on the beach, ran up to the water, then away from the surf, watched Grandpa Gary fly his kite, and waved at strangers.

twirling girls

From time to time, I looked out at the horizon, and admired the sea cliffs in a haze of ocean spray, or just watched my family enjoy the chilly beach afternoon. I couldn't help but think that GranMary must've visited this same beach with Josie as a baby, maybe Lil's age, maybe a bit older. And I felt grateful knowing the same piece of paradise, the same slice of heaven, there with Lil.

And to be sure, GranMary knew we were there, too.

80's baby

With a milder stretch of weather lately, dressing in layers became ever more the necessity. Since Lil was traveling en carrier, the very best method is a pair of BabyLegs over or under some pants, a bodysuit (usually long-sleeved), and a sweater or jacket topped off with a little hat of some kind. This way she's not overdressed (Mama's body heat keeps her pretty toasty), and she still fits in the carrier. Maybe with the leggings and the burgundy legwarmers, and the denim jacket Lil looked a little 80's-inspired. 

she's a maniac on the floor

I guess that wild asymmetrical hairdo isn't doing anything to give her a modern edge, is it?

why did you dress like that, mama?

wrap party

Ava's snack pod catches Lil's fancy.

To celebrate International Babywearing Week, Lil and I went down to Caribou Baby on Friday for a workshop on advanced wrapping techniques.  The mamas all got to check out some new ways to wear our growing babies, and the babies got to check out each other.  Lil bumped into some of her pals, like Ava, who looked comfy in her leggings and boyfriend-style v-neck cardigan. Lil was a little too squirmy to wrap up in her carrier, so she just crawled around the room in those Nicole Miller giraffe-print leggings. Giraffe is slimming, which is important when wearing pound-packing cloth diapers. It must be the only print that doesn't enhance that fluffy bottom.

tangled up in blue

Gorgeous day for Lil & Mama to take a stroll!  We headed to a new natural baby store in the area called Caribou Baby, which was a good half-hour walk from home.  It's amazing that this is the only natural-minded baby store in New York.  There are plenty of trendy designer baby stores in the city, but heaven forbid you want a baby carrier that actually works, or organic cloth diapers, or all-natural baby products. You had no choice but the internet, just like people who didn't live in what's supposed

to be the city that has it all.

blue traveler

 I'm feeling pretty lucky to have Caribou Baby in the neighborhood.  We went in today looking for a new baby carrier so I can wear Lil around the house without a lot of buckles and straps and things.  They have beautiful wraps and slings, and it turns out that the owner, Adriane, is an expert babywearer.  She not only helped me pick out a beautiful wrap from Ellaroo, she also gave me a crash course in babywearing (there's more to it that you'd think). The wrap I picked out is easy and lightweight, comfy for around the house and quick errands.  I chose a beautiful turquoise striped fabric to compliment Lil's eyes.  She loved it and was lost in sleep soon after I tied her in.

She looks great wrapped up in this

We were very lucky to have the company of our good friend Jessica, who little Lil is quite fond of.  It's so nice to have back-up, especially out in public.  Later when we got home, there was a package from our favorite discount online retailer, Zulilly!  This gorgeous organic cotton wrap sweater was in there, along with a couple other Lil goodies. 

teeny houdini

Today's look was inspired by our new Ellaroo Wrap.  I took her new wrap sweater and added her favorite "Jolly Jack" Baby Legs, and one of Bum Genius' artist print cloth diapers.  I'm so glad blue isn't just for boys.